West Virginia Auditor J.B. McCuskey Offers Help to Local Governments With COVID-19 Aid

WHEELING — West Virginia Auditor J.B. McCuskey told local government officials Wednesday not to hire any consultants to advise them on how best to spend any federal funding they receive through the American Rescue Plan.
McCuskey, a Republican, said he and the office of U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia, “will serve as their consultants.”
“We can’t afford for 10% of this money to get in the pocket of some lawyer from out of state,” he said. “This money needs to get into the places in the state that need it.”
McCuskey spoke at Oglebay Park’s Wilson Lodge Wednesday during a regional information session for local officials about the American Rescue Act that was organized by Manchin’s office. Manchin was not present, but welcomed guests virtually.
McCuskey said every time a large amount of federal money comes out, there is a group of consultants who descend upon America’s municipal officials. The consultants tell them, “you are not sophisticated enough to understand the guidance (from the federal government), and we can help make sure you don’t make mistakes with this money.”
For a percentage of the funding the municipality has received, the consultants say they will make sure “everything goes right” with its spending, according to McCuskey.
“It is just an unneeded expense,” he said. “There are people here in the state whose job it is to make sure that happens…. It is our job to make sure we advise counties, and the senator and I are happy to do that.”
A system he has designed with Manchin will serve in place of that “high-priced group that always descends upon our small towns and cities,” according to McCuskey.
“This is a way for us to make sure you all have the tools you need, and aren’t wasting your money on someone who is going to give you the same advice we probably would,” he said.
McCuskey said the plan he and Manchin have devised will allow municipalities to first decide the needs of their community, and how best to spend the ARP money. The goals of this West Virginia system are to make sure the money is spent effectively, legally and transparently.
“It is the people who understand how to fix and have the plans, and it is the people in this room who will work together to fix these problems,” he said.
McCuskey’s office has developed an accounting system to oversee money spent by counties, who will report their spending on a regular basis. After this, the municipalities will be asked to take photos of their projects and post them on social media, or find a way to show the public how the money was spent.
“You guys are getting a very large amount of federal money, which comes with it a very large amount of federal reporting guidelines,” McCuskey said. “Our office’s main mission is to make sure you are able to comply with those guidelines quickly, accurately and easily. It can be a little overwhelming.”
Former Delegate Andrew Robinson, D-West Virginia, has been hired by Manchin to serve as a liaison between his office and municipalities with questions about the spending of federal dollars. Robinson and Wes Kungel, legislative director for Manchin, along with McCuskey answered questions posed by those present Wednesday.
One attendee noted the money can be used for infrastructure improvements in communities, but wondered why it could not be used for paving. McCuskey responded that paving projects would be covered under a separate infrastructure bill being considered by Congress.
“But if you replace water lines that run under the road, it is reasonable you will have to fix the pavement over top of them,” he said.